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How Depression and Oral Health are Connected

Posted on 2/21/2022 by Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS

There are many ways in which depression impacts your life, such as how you feel, how you interact with others, and how you see the world. Do you know that depression can also be detrimental to your oral health? When you have depression, you may experience anxiety symptoms when stressed. Additionally, this can increase your heart rate, cause racing thoughts, and cause insomnia in addition to raising cortisol levels. The stress hormone cortisol regulates your metabolism and immune response. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can flood your body when you're anxious or depressed, lowering your body's ability to fight infections like gum disease and tooth infections. Your risk of developing these infections increases if you're having difficulty maintaining good oral health habits due to fatigue, lack of motivation or brain fog.

Seek Counseling and Tell Your Dentist

To manage depression that lasts beyond a few weeks, it is important to seek counseling. You can strengthen your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment if you receive mental health counseling to cope with your symptoms and set small, achievable goals. Taking care of your teeth and gums can be challenging when you suffer from depression. If you are depressed, they can provide you with helpful advice about how to maintain your oral health.

Take Small Steps and Make Healthy Choices

You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day, use a mouth rinse, and visit your dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings. But if a full oral hygiene routine appears too daunting for the moment, take small steps. Try brushing your teeth twice a day at first, and then increase your frequency. Depression often leads to poor eating habits. The temptation to reach for junk food is much greater than the temptation to prepare a healthy meal. A diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, apples, and fish, prevents and strengthens tooth decay.

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"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.